NiMet tests new digital data hub to boost farm planning

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has begun testing a new digital platform called the NiMet Data Hub, aimed at enhancing farmers and agricultural stakeholders' access to location-specific weather and climate information. Developed in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute and Crea2Solutions, the platform has progressed from the design phase to a Minimum Viable Product stage, according to a NiMet statement released on Monday.

The platform is designed to provide farmers, livestock keepers, and agricultural advisers with reliable access to historical, monitored, and forecast climate data, with the goal of improving risk analysis, seasonal planning, and climate-informed decision-making. The initiative emerged from persistent weaknesses in agricultural climate services, such as fragmented data, limited coordination among providers, and the challenge of converting technical forecasts into actionable advice.

Stakeholder engagement, co-hosted by NiMet and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), focused on mapping Nigeria's agro-meteorological data and advisory landscape, identifying gaps in information availability and delivery, and strengthening institutional linkages. The development of the platform aligns with Nigeria's priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes food security, climate-smart agriculture, and digital services.

NiMet's resources, including online map rooms and agricultural climate products, are expected to contribute to the platform, enabling the creation of context-specific agro-weather advisories. The project also seeks to improve coordination among institutions involved in agricultural climate information collection, processing, and delivery, while enhancing communication between technical service providers and end-users.

As the NiMet Data Hub continues testing and refinement, it aims to bridge the gap between meteorological information and agricultural decision-making, ultimately supporting preparedness, reducing climate-related losses, and strengthening agri-food livelihoods.